Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Town Council

Search

NOTICEBOARD

Local Government Reorganisation: Moving towards a unitary system of local authority in Somerset.

It is expected that local government in Somerset will undergo significant changes during the next couple of years under a process known as local government reorganisation (LGR).

For some time, politicians and leadership teams have considered that the current system of local government is costly and inefficient. Local government reorganisation (LGR) aims to increase efficiencies and in doing so will change the way public services are delivered. The process would see the county and four district councils disbanded and either a new single unitary authority or 2 unitary authorities created in their place.

The decisions on what happens in LGR is made by the Government and not the councils themselves. It is the Government that will set its own tests, including the size of any new authorities. If LGR proceeds, the county and district councils will be abolished, and a new system created with newly elected councillors.

Although the shake-up directly affects the principal councils at county and district levels, any changes will inevitably affect the work and services delivered by parish and town councils. Therefore, it is important that we recognise and engage with this opportunity to influence the process of LGR and help shape local service delivery.

In response to LGR, the Somerset Association of Local Councils (SALC) and Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) commissioned Mel Usher (formally of Frome Town Council) to consider the experiences of unitary LGR in other areas and to consider the lessons learnt as they affect town and parish councils. The report makes seven recommendations on a future role that town and parish councils could play in meeting the needs of their communities. Both the One Somerset business case and the districts’ Stronger Somerset business case have adopted the recommendations of the report, which can be read here: 

Recommendations on the Role of Parish Councils in the event of Local Government.pdf

Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Town Council at its June 2020 meeting resolved to endorse the points raised within the report and recognised the necessity for significant and genuine involvement of the parish sector in any LGR, and to learn the lessons from neighbouring LGRs.

The process for local government reorganisation in Somerset.

The process for LGR formally begins when the Secretary of State invites the principal authorities to submit a business case for re-organising local government. 


The county council led, One Somerset business case proposing a single unitary authority, formed according to the existing county council boundary, has been submitted to the Secretary of State. You can learn more about the One Somerset business case on its website, available by following this link: https://onesomerset.org.uk/

The four district councils’ jointly released business case proposes the creation of two unitary authorities covering east and west areas of Somerset. You can learn more about the Stronger Somerset business case on its website by following this link: https://www.strongersomerset.co.uk/

Once both business cases have been received, the Secretary of State will “be minded” to either approve one or reject both cases submitted.

If one of the cases is accepted, a detailed draft plan and timeline for the transition will follow, involving public consultation and extensive discussions between all levels of local government.

If the preferred plan meets with ministerial approval for a second time, a shadow authority is expected to be put in place towards the beginning on 2021  with the new unitary council(s) established in April 2022 and councillor elections in May 2022.

Other News

Johnny Cash Revisited

Friday 9th August 2024 at 7:30 pm Johnny Cash Revisited is a two-hour, live concert performance set between 1969 and 1971 and based on the hugely popular “Johnny Cash Show” Television series. During this period,

Notes from meeting with Barretts Homes Bristol 4th March 2024

Present: Councillors Millard, Matthews, Vickers, Facey, Searing, Gudka, Perryand the Town ClerkMatthew Roberts – Account Director, JVPAndrew Penna – Strategic Planning Manager, Barretts HomesCouncillor Millard gave an overview of the Council’s Planning Pre-Application Discussion Policy.Everyone

Categories

Categories

Archives

Archives

Newsletter

Have our newsletter delivered direct to your inbox.

Be the first to hear our latest news.

Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Council Logo

Thank You

Please check your inbox for any email verifications to ensure you complete the signup process.

Records Retention Schedule

Financial Risk Management Policy - March 2023

Grant Application Kings Coronation Form

The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023, with an additional bank holiday on Monday 8th May 2023.

We are keen to hear from groups/organisations in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge that are looking to celebrate the Coronation. The Town Council has £1500 available to allocate to events being organised to celebrate the Kings Coronation. The maximum grant to be allocated per event will be £500.

You must meet the following criteria for your application to be considered:

– The event will be open to all members of the public

– The event will be free of charge

– The event will take place within the Coronation weekend

– The event will take place within Burnham on Sea or Highbridge

 

Applications will close on Monday 6th March at midday. 

Your organisation and contact details

What happens next....
Applications will be considered at the Finance and Resources Committee Meeting on Monday 13th March 2023. You will be notified after this date whether your application has been successful.
Burnham & Highbridge Town Council takes your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information for the purposes of contacting you about this grant. The Council’s privacy notice can be found here.

We use cookies to help make this site better. Read more about our cookie policy.

Skip to content